Freelancers

The Deal

The Vengeance shuddered and began to slow. The long, white tunnel of hyperspace suddenly devolved into millions of stars against the dark backdrop of space as the city-planet Coruscant dramatically filled the viewport. Nai'riss stood staring out at the shining planet, the soft glow of the Vengeance's cabin lights framed her face. Her back was sore from sleeping on the cot in the cargo bay and she smelled of blaster oil. She looked around and noticed that the common cabin of the ship was sparsely decorated save for the tattered cushions on the benches next to the square metal dining table. She walked over, set her blaster rifle against the nearby wall, and sat at the table.

These bounty hunters could use an upgrade, she thought, as she straightened her back against the backrest. She wiggled back and forth searching for a comfortable position, but comfort eluded her. She turned her head towards the nearby stairs and the source of the loud metallic clomping. With one hand resting on the bulkhead above her, Veriss looked towards her direction - the black and red Mandalorian armor of her clan shone brightly under the overhead lights.

"Hey, we're here," said Veriss. "We've just arrived in Coruscant airspace. Jag is hailing the spaceport and we should be assigned a bay soon."

Nai'riss looked at the red-haired woman and said, "I noticed. Once we land I'll need to send a transmission to my contact. He'll be able to help us sell the relics."

Veriss replied, "All I care about are credits. If your buyer can line our cargo bay with credit crates, I won't have to turn you over to our Sith friend."

Nai'riss rolled her eyes and stood up. She straightened her clothes, picked up her rifle, and slung it over her shoulder. She walked briskly towards Veriss and extended her hand.

"We need each other for this. Once this deal is over, you'll never have to hear from me again."

Veriss took the shorter woman's hand and gave it a firm handshake - she winced.

"Can't wait," smirked Veriss.

The Vengeance clicked to life and Jag's voice came across the speakers, "We have clearance to land. Suit up. Meet me up top."

The speakers clicked off as quickly as it activated and the women hurried up the stairs with anticipation. The deal, leading to the score of a lifetime, was about to take place and the excitement in the air was palpable.

--

Coruscant - the heart of the galaxy and the Empire. Skyscrapers stretch infinitely towards the horizon and extend miles below towards the dark expanses of the lower levels. Sky lanes filled with speeders and transport vehicles going about their usual business. The busy sounds of a world in motion filled the airspace around landing pad two, as the Vengeance slowly lowered and settled on the steel surface. Its repulsors glowed blue and held steadily to support the heavy ship's weight - the hydraulic systems activated to extend the landing gear. The ship hissed and shuddered as the ramp lowered onto the pad's surface. The armored bounty hunters exited first while the smaller agent trailed closely behind. They swiftly traveled the length of the landing pad towards the station's elevators to the upper pedestrian causeways. The lift's doors groaned and opened slowly to reveal an empty and poorly lit platform. Jag was the first to step in.

"I can't remember the last time I was coreworld. I wonder if Marr still has that bounty on my head." He laughed and scratched his head, then let out a sigh as neither woman entertained him.

The lift doors closed and the platform roared alive, propelling them skyward. The viewports spilled out to a night sky that was full of activity.

Veriss interrupted the otherwise silent lift ride. "We need to be vigilant. Let's meet your buyer and get out of here as fast as possible. I don't want any screw ups - this is too big of a pay day for any of us," she said.